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Occupation Info

Farm Management Advisor

Overview:

Farm Advisors work with individuals/families and analyze market conditions to make decisions on crops to plant, acreage, schedules and workforce size. They analyze the soil content to decide upon fertilizer, irrigation, and the type of machinery needed. They analyze government environmental and price support policies.

Duties:

They decide how to most effectively use farmlands based on projected prices of crops, the condition of the farm soil to be used and the cost of producing and harvesting.

They purchase and plan the use of irrigation equipment, machinery for planting, harvesting and storage of crops. Decide on crop and animal types based on domestic & international price projections.

They request analysis of soil and damaged crops by scientists and government agencies to determine what kinds of fertilizers and chemical pesticides are needed.

They negotiate contracts for the purchase of workforces for crop harvesting and for the storage and sale of farm products. Work with farm lobbies to influence Federal price support policies.

Employment of farm management advisors is expected to show little or no change through 2018 due to the consolidation of the industry.

Salary Range (National Average):

$29,000 to $35,000

Green:

Education Level:

Training for this occupation generally requires an Associate Degree from a 2 year or community college.

Additional Training/Education:

The completion of a two-year associate program or a four-year bachelor's degree program in agriculture is becoming more important to succeed as a farm manager. Courses in agribusiness, plant biology, soil and animal sciences, agricultural mechanization, business management and computer applications are essential.

Recommended Skills:

Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.

Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.

Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.

The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.

Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Using scientific methods to investigate and conduct experiments.

Composing and communicating your ideas in written form.

Recommended Values:

Having a routine job where the duties are very predictable and not likely to change over a long period of time.

Having a job where you can spend a significant amount of time outside.

* National data collected by the Department of Labor between 2008-2012.
* For New York salary data information please click here.
* For New York green job information please click here.

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.